Press Releases

As a leader in paddlewear innovation, Kokatat has a history of partnering with ground breaking expeditions. The lastest sponsorship from Kokatat, a 38 year old independent company, was granted to Hayley Shephard for her to attempt the first solo kayak of South Georgia Island.

Kokatat and Shephard have also joined in creating public awareness for the devastating decline in the world’s albatross species. Shephard’s expedition, called “Kayaking to Save the Albatross,” will bring light to illegal fisheries and the outdated techniques used in the current long line fishing industry. As albatross habitat, South Georgia Island with its rugged beauty and abundant wildlife is home to a number of species.

Shephard, a wilderness guide and expedition leader by trade, will set out on January 22, 2010. An exceptionally isolated, storm torn island, South Georgia in the southern Atlantic Ocean is isolated as its nearest neighbour is 1,400 kilometers away. As hostile, dangerous, and foreboding as it feels, South Georgia is charmed with dramatic and stunning beauty that has a power to draw daring adventurers.

Kokatat will supply Shephard with several of their acclaimed women’s-specific products including:

• women's GORE-TEX® Expedition Dry Suit
• women's GORE-TEX® Whirlpool Bib
• ProFIT Tour PFD
• women's OuterCore long sleeve top and pants.

“Kokatat is helping me keep dry, buoyant and waterproof during the expedition. They have provided me with absolutely critical pieces for this type of expedition,” Shephard said.

In 1999 Shephard was the first woman to solo sea kayak the 1,200 kilometers circumnavigation of Vancouver Island, followed by another epic adventure in 2005 when she was the first woman to solo sea kayak the rugged and exposed coast of the sacred Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands). Shephard has spent nearly a decade guiding tours of Antarctica.

The two month expedition will include a seven-to-ten day open ocean crossing onboard the sailing vessel Northanger, departing from Ushuaia, Argentina and heading to King Edward Point on the East coast of South Georgia Island. Shephard’s journey will be showcased in a documentary film as well as a series of multi-media photo presentations to inform the public on the Albatross situation.

Additional information available here: http://www.kayakingtosavealbatross.com
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About Kokatat Watersports Wear
For the past 38 years, Kokatat has built a reputation as a friendly company of paddling enthusiasts, dedicated to creating innovative paddlewear and accessories. Kokatat is a highly trusted brand known for its independence, high level of quality in addition to an extremely well respected, service-driven business model. Kokatat is an incredibly strong brand and is known for authenticity and launching game changing paddling products. Please visit www.kokatat.com and follow Kokatat on Twitter @kokatat.